In an emergency meeting, the Captiva Erosion Prevention District (CEPD) convened to discuss critical onshore protective measures following the impact of Hurricane Milton. The commission focused on debris removal, sand recovery, and restoring beach and dune systems to safeguard the community.
On October 17, Chairman John Wade and district staff provided an update on the ongoing recovery efforts and outlined the next steps in protecting the island. Contractors have been hired to assist with removing and cleaning beach sand, with an emphasis on reusing as much of the washed-up sand as possible to bolster immediate shoreline defenses.
Sand Recovery and Reuse Efforts
Wade reported that one contractor is already working with Lee County’s Department of Transportation to remove sand from key areas, such as the Village, while another contractor has cleared the Alison Hagerup Beach parking lot to prepare for screening operations. Using Department of Transportation resources, the screening of overwashed sand began in the parking lot, targeting the piles of sand at Blind Pass and other locations. All sand intended for beach placement must be screened and free from debris to meet clean sand requirements.
Restoring Beach Protection
The CEPD plans to begin beach scraping on October 21, preparing the beach for repurposed sand application. Wade noted that priority is being given to areas most vulnerable, including the S curve near Jensen’s and the Alison parking lot. The downtown Village area also requires immediate attention due to its lack of protection. The district is working with Lee County officials to reinforce areas where roads were washed out and to realign onshore riprap rocks for added stability.
Commissioner Bob Walter raised concerns about identifying the most vulnerable locations, to which Wade responded that the team is prioritizing areas in the greatest need, given the limited supply of usable sand. He added that staff are collaborating with the county to secure additional funding for sand restoration efforts.
Debris and Vegetation Removal
In addition to sand recovery, Wade updated the commission on efforts to clear post-storm debris and downed vegetation. Contractors are working to cut and stack trees along the roadways for collection, with the goal of ensuring main access areas remain open. Among the debris are downed Australian pines and sea grape trees, which pose significant removal challenges due to their size.
Cost Management and Future Planning
Wade estimated that recovery efforts have incurred about $25,000 in expenses so far, with final costs potentially reaching $40,000 depending on the scope of sand screening. Secretary Linda Laird suggested tapping into the district’s reserve funds to ensure critical protective measures are in place while additional funding is pursued.
Walter emphasized the importance of restoring dunes, a key defense against future storms. Wade assured the commission that the planned beach renourishment, scheduled for April or May, will focus heavily on rebuilding dunes and planting mature vegetation to fortify the system. In the meantime, the district’s efforts are concentrated on maintaining temporary protection for the island.
CEPD Beach Brief Update
The CEPD released a Beach Brief with additional updates, including a report on the significant erosion observed during an October 14 beach tour with consultant APTIM. Erosion from the ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa northward has compromised critical onshore protections, and the district is working toward installing a new berm as a protective measure.
Clean Sand Placement Guidelines
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) has waived the permit requirement for placing overwashed sand back on the beach under an Emergency Order. However, all sand must meet the definition of “clean sand.” The district provided the following guidelines for sand placement:
- Sand must be free from stains, odors, debris, rocks, and other foreign materials, and should resemble the pre-hurricane beach sand in color and grain size.
- Clean sand should be placed above the high tide line and not over existing native vegetation or storm debris.
- Restoration efforts must respect the natural slope and grade of the beach, and any disturbance to the beach dune system must be minimized and restored to pre-hurricane conditions.
- Any native dune vegetation disturbed during restoration must be replaced with native species.
The FDEP reserves the right to take enforcement action against property owners who violate these requirements. Improper disposal of unscreened sand or debris in the right-of-way is strictly prohibited.
As recovery efforts continue, the CEPD remains committed to protecting Captiva’s shoreline and ensuring the island is fortified against future storms.
